Double Blessing

Genesis 32

Years earlier Jacob had obtained the blessing that was due to his brother Esau. Now after years away he stands on the eve of meeting his brother again. Scared and unsure of his welcome by Esau he continues to claim God's promises for his life:

Gen 32 v 12 - You yourself said, ‘I will treat you well; I’ll make your descendants like the sands of the sea, far too many to count.’”

Then while praying he is confronted by a man. Clearly Jacob recognises that this is no normal man and he demands a blessing. He grasps hold of the man and will not let go until he is blessed. Even though he is left crippled by the encounter his persistence changed his name and his future. Jacob recognized that the man he was wresting with was God.

That day his name meaning "Heel" was changed to Israel - God Wrestler.

He may not have always gone about things in the right way but Jacob was not prepared to just accept the hand he was dealt in life. He was not going to give up even if it meant getting in a wrestling match with God.